The hotel lobbies around Lucas Oil Stadium have a specific rhythm during combine week. Scouts huddle in corners with high-top chairs pulled too close. Agents pace near the coffee stations. Prospects walk through in matching league-issued drip, trying not to make eye contact with anyone holding a clipboard.
I spent three days watching Northwestern’s three representatives navigate the chaos, and collected my thoughts throughout the following week. Here’s what I saw.
On Caleb Tiernan
Tiernan stood at a podium Saturday morning looking like he’d been preparing for this moment his entire life. Which, it turns out, he has.
He told a story about growing up in Livonia, Michigan, watching his older brother play tackle football while he was stuck in flag. Second grade couldn’t come fast enough.
“I wanted to play with him so much that when I went to second grade, I just moved to tackle instead of playing flag again,” Tiernan said.
That brother is three years older. Their dad coached all four kids through little league. Tiernan’s voice changed when he talked about it, less interview mode and more genuine reflection. Later, when someone asked what sets him apart from other prospects, he didn’t mention his vertical or his technique. He talked about why he plays.
“A lot of people are playing probably for the wrong reasons, whether that’s money, jewelry, social media, whatever,” he said. “I’m just a guy. I love football. I love being with 10 other guys in a huddle all determined to do one goal. I think that’s special. That’s what I love.”
The measurements backed up the love. He came in at 6-foot-8, an inch taller than Northwestern listed him. The next morning, the vertical jump number hit the circuit: 35.5 inches, best among all offensive linemen at the combine, tied for eighth among every tackle to test since 2006.
I watched him walk off the field after measurements and drills. An Eagles area scout stopped him for a quick word. Tiernan listened, nodded, shook his hand. Later I heard he met formally with Philly and informally with the Bears and Bucs. Someone in the media scrum asked about the Tush Push. He grinned. Said it’d be exciting to block for that. The Eagles guy was still in the building. Probably heard it.
The Bears part is also interesting, considering that both his play-style and draft profile is very similar to their recently-injured Ozzy Trapillo. Imagine an Evanston to Chicago pipeline becoming reality, and that specific opportunity opening up for Tiernan to start right away. Both were rock solid in college, likely will do the same in the NFL, and yet both were projected as Day 2 picks because of size/length concerns. Take from that what you will.
On Evan Beerntsen
While Hubbard watched from the stands and Tiernan picked and chose which things to participate in, Beerntsen put on shorts and went through the full offensive line gauntlet.
He moved better than I expected in space. The kick slide looked clean during set drills, and he fired out of his stance with real pop in his punch. A Texans coach watched him through three repetitions, then tapped another scout on the shoulder and pointed. I made a note of it. So did they. Again, take from that what you will.
After drills ended, Beerntsen didn’t walk off immediately. He stood near the sideline watching the next group, arms crossed, studying. Most guys bolt for the tunnel. He stayed. A few other linemen lingered too, the ones who knew the workout wasn’t the only thing that mattered. Beerntsen was the only one I saw from his group still watching 10 minutes later.
Reportedly, he also was one of four guys who got asked to take snaps at center after I left.
His media availability was brief. He talked about rooming with Tiernan, about calling coach Braun, about how busy the days are. But the moment that stuck with me came off the record, when someone asked him about South Dakota State. His face lit up. He talked about winning a national championship there like it happened last week, like he could still feel the confetti. Some guys forget where they came from. Beerntsen hasn’t.
On Aidan Hubbard
Hubbard took the quiet route. No on-field drills. Just measurements, interviews, and the bench press. I didn’t see the bench, but the number got around later. Twenty-one reps. Solid.
It was before I got there, but he did sit for media, kept it professional. Talked about preparing differently for the combine than for games, focusing more on explosive work. Talked about loving football. Nothing super crazy, which likely was the point.
Hubbard’s waiting game makes sense. In a deep edge class, sometimes you pick your own stage. His injury history likely played a role too. Wouldn’t want to jeopardize yourself when you still have a pro day coming up (Northwestern’s is on March 17). That’s where he’ll actually rush the passer. That’s where it counts.
The Aftermath
One week later, all three are back in Evanston. Pro day is on Tuesdat. The stopwatches will start again. The scouts will return with their clipboards.
Tiernan’s combine impression already exceeded expectations. The kid from Livonia showed he’s more than just a five-year starter. Beerntsen proved he belonged in the conversation, even if he was the only one who actually worked. Hubbard saved his best for later, which might be the smartest play of all.
For now, Indianapolis is just another stop on the way. But for one weekend in late February, three Wildcats walked through those hotel lobbies and proved they belonged.